Regionals Face Epic Challenge To Fill Pilot Positions
American Eagle president and RAA chairman Dan Garton noted that only 46 percent of all pilots hired by regional airlines during last year’s first three quarters had accumulated 1,500 hours, or enough for an ATP certificate. (Photo: Gregory Polek)
American Eagle president and RAA chairman Dan Garton noted that only 46 percent of all pilots hired by regional airlines during last year’s first three quarters had accumulated 1,500 hours, or enough for an ATP certificate. (Photo: Gregory Polek)

Few doubt that the new rules governing pilot duty time and first officer qualifications will challenge human resource departments at regional airlines throughout the U.S. But to a nation that depends on regional airlines for some 50 percent of its flights, the extent to which the new regulations will affect the supply of pilots and service to small communities remains largely underappreciated, much to the frustration of the Regional Airline Association and its members.